A smartphone is simply more convenient than a handheld. First, you won't need to carry two gadgets. Also, you'll only need to think about securing and backing up one gadget.

Unfortunately, though, things become more complicated when choosing a smartphone. Cellular providers only carry certain models. So you need to decide on a carrier first.

Most major cellular providers offer phones that run both the Palm OS and Windows Mobile. So I would start with the service plans. Find a reasonably priced plan that includes enough minutes and text messages.

Look carefully at the data portion. Some providers offer unlimited data transfer for a flat rate. Others charge based on usage. Usage is determined by how much data is transferred. You may also need to pay for the minutes you use. This quickly adds up.

When you're looking at data, check pricing on high-speed access. Transferring data over a regular connection can be slow. High-speed access is comparable to broadband.

After you choose a carrier, look at the phones. You'll have a choice between a Palm Treo and several phones that run Windows Mobile. Incidentally, you'll also find versions of the Palm Treo that run Windows Mobile.